Printer With Integrated RFID Data Collector

Abstract

A RFID printer for printing and determining the quality of RFID record members having transponders is provided. The RFID printer may be used to print RFID record members utilizing a continuous moving web. In particular, a RFID printer includes an integrated RFID data collector such that identifying RFID transponder information may be recorded and associated with a barcode for inventory tracking purposes. An association file created by the RFID printer may be transferred to a manufacturer or retailer brand owner. The association file may be deleted from the RFID printer upon acknowledgment of receipt of the transmitted association file to the manufacturer or retail brand owner. The RFID printer provides methods for determining quality of RFID printed record members.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of determining a measure of quality of RFID transponders included in record members advancing on a continuous moving web, the method comprising the steps of:
 creating an association file, the association file including a list of identification numbers of RFID transponders and associated barcodes;   reading a RFID transponder included in a record member;   scanning a barcode printed on the record member;   determining if the RFID transponder and barcode are readable;   recording the readability results in the created association file if the RFID transponder and the associated barcode are readable; and   cutting the record member having the unreadable RFID transponder or barcode into pieces and recording the destruction of the record member in the created association file.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the barcode is a UPC code. 
     
     
         3 . A method of determining a measure of quality of RFID transponders using a RFID printer, the method comprising the steps of:
 transmitting an instruction to place the RFID printer into a reader mode;   receiving RFID transponder information;   transmitting the received RFID transponder information through a web server to verify the received RFID transponder information;   receiving a first indication if the RFID transponder information is discovered and valid; and   receiving a second indication if the RFID transponder information is not discovered or if the RFID transponder is invalid.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the received first indication is communicated through a displayed green light. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the received second indication is communicated through a displayed red light. 
     
     
         6 . A system for printing RFID record members, the system comprising:
 a RFID printer, the RFID printer including a barcode scanner, a RFID reader, an antenna configured to emit a RFID field and coupled to and cooperating with the RFID reader to read at least one RFID transponder included in a record member, a printing system having a print head and a drive mechanism, and a processor, the processor configured to create an association file, the association file including a listing of identification numbers of RFID transponders and associated barcodes; and   a host computer in communication with the RFID printer, the host computer receiving the association file from the RFID printer upon request and retransmitting the association file for inventory tracking purposes, the host computer receiving acknowledgement of receipt of the retransmitted association file, the host computer instructing the RFID printer to delete the transmitted association file upon receipt of the retransmitted association file.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the processor is further configured to perform the steps of:
 counting a number of printed record members,   determining if the counted number of printed record numbers exceeds a stored total number of record numbers allowed to be printed before receipts of instruction to transmit the association file; and   If the accounted number of printed record number exceeds the stored total number of record numbers allowed to be printed, halting printing until receipt of the instruction to transmit the association file.   
     
     
         8 . A method of determining a measure of quality of RFID transponders, the method comprising the steps of:
 transmitting an instruction to place a RFID printer into a reader mode;   receiving RFID transponder information;   transmitting the received RFID transponder information through a web server to verify the received RFID transponder information;   receiving a first indication if the RFID transponder information is discovered and valid; and   receiving a second indication if the RFID transponder information is not discovered or if the RFID transponder is invalid.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the first received indication is communicated through a displayed green light. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the received second indication is communicated through a displayed red light. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the RFID printer further comprises top and bottom feed rollers having matching grooves in a location where the RFID transponder passes. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the RFID printer includes a barcode scanner. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the invalid RFID transponder is cut into pieces. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the RFID printer can print on both sides of a record member.